CAF Rejects False AFCON 2027 Format Change Reports, confirming the tournament will retain its 24-team structure and qualifiers will begin in September and October 2026

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has dismissed reports claiming the format of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will change, confirming that the tournament will proceed with 24 participating national teams.

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The clarification followed speculation in sections of the media that CAF was considering altering the competition’s structure. Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, Motsepe reaffirmed that no such decision had been taken.

The announcement was reinforced on Thursday in a statement published on the governing body’s official X account.

“At Wednesday’s press conference, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2027 will have 24 National Teams. Media reports suggesting otherwise is untrue,” CAF said.

“The AFCON 2027 will be played in June-July 2027 and the Qualifiers will start in September/October 2026.”

CAF stressed that reports suggesting a reduction or expansion in the number of participating teams were inaccurate, providing certainty for national associations preparing for the qualification campaign.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, marking the first time the three East African nations will stage Africa’s flagship men’s football competition together.

Preparations are continuing across the host countries as infrastructure projects and organisational plans gather pace.

A notable development confirmed by CAF is that the qualification series will begin in September and October 2026, giving teams a clear timeline as they begin their campaigns to secure one of the 24 available places.

The current 24-team format was introduced for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, expanding the tournament from 16 teams in a move designed to increase participation and strengthen football development across the continent.

Since then, the expanded competition has become the standard format for Africa’s premier international championship.

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CAF’s latest clarification puts an end to speculation over the tournament’s structure and allows participating nations to focus on preparations for qualification ahead of the 2027 finals.